Does God Got This?

Just wait, they’ll be sorry. I’m sure that’s NEVER crossed your mind…or mine. Right? (In case you’re in doubt, yes, that’s drenched in sarcasm.) Of course that thought, or something similar, has at least fluttered in your brain waves or pulsed through your emotions at some point in time. We’re all only human.

Justice is one of those basic, almost instinctual, senses. And in some of us, it can run deep—and strong. I think there are general guidelines for the types of actions that would cause such an emotion, but is the actual implementation of justice always agreed-upon? NO WAY. And does my knee-jerk definition of an appropriate application of justice match God’s? Probably not.

It all began when God whispered into my heart in the midst of a personal scenario. What if exposure and an apology never happens? What if I serve justice by healing her heart? WOW! Talk about a challenge! He wasn’t challenging me in my understanding and application of forgiveness, but instead was challenging my working knowledge in how He defines justice.

Before I go further, I should clarify that this does NOT substitute in cases where a natural justice system is needed. This is simply a spiritual principle, and the situation to which this was being applied in my life was not one that would warrant any legal proceedings. In cases where a natural system of justice is needed, I am of the opinion that it is up the wronged party to decide if legal action and any potential restitution is indicated AND ALSO pray for God’s justice in the situation. Okay, hopefully that’s clarified; let’s move on.

Scales are a classic visual metaphor for justice. Bringing balance, righting a wrong. Yep, we got it. But what happens when our human logic and emotions enter the mix? Maybe we don’t really “got it.” And if we can acknowledge that maybe we don’t really “got it,” can we also trust that God does? Can we trust that our eternal God Who is goodness and love, Who also sits enthroned in the highest heavens on justice (see Psalm 89:14) has it? Oh, yes. Until, of course, it doesn’t fulfill my knee-jerk emotional sense of justice.

It goes back to the beginning. What was the state of humanity BEFORE the fall? THAT is the question. Why? Because to RETURN and RESTORE back to THAT condition is God’s version of justice. To demolish strongholds of the enemy in someone’s life, bringing freedom from years of oppression. To uproot lies that have entangled themselves in someone’s mind and heart. To pour His healing grace, kindness, and truth into the gaping wounds in someone’s heart so that person can be whole. God’s justice.

God’s justice isn’t retributive justice. That’s our knee-jerk human emotional version of justice. You hurt me, so I’ll get even. God’s justice is restorative justice. She hurt him, and God knows why. He sees the lies and wounds in her heart that caused her to behave in ways that hurt him, and He reaches in and uproots and heals. He ALSO sees the hurt in his heart, and He reaches in and uproots and heals. Then, God begins to nudge both toward reconciliation and the relationship is better and stronger than ever. Greater unity, more understanding, and moving forward in peace.

Now, obviously, that superfast sketch was ultra-simplified and real-life situations are often far stickier, complicated, and can take so much longer. And reconciliation may not feasible for any number of reasons. But, I think you get the idea. God sees each one of us. He knows each one of our hearts, and He is FOR each and every one of us. He desires for ALL to experience and operate in His grace and truth. He wants all of us to live in His freedom, I mean, He shed His blood for it!

And that’s a perfect visual for HIS version of justice. The cross. I sinned, and He died so I would be able to experience union with Him and His freedom, but I also have to bring my humanistic reasoning and emotional reactions to the cross and trust that He’s got it.

Does God Got This?
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